If a jury is deadlocked, the judge may declare which of the following?

• A. Verdict of guilty.
• B. Mistrial.
• C. Acquittal.
• D. Dismissal without prejudice.

Answer: (B)

When a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict after substantial deliberation, the trial court may declare a mistrial. This ends the current trial without a verdict, allowing the case to be tried again with a new jury if the prosecution chooses to pursues retrial (or to drop the charges). A verdict of guilty or acquittal cannot be entered while the jury is hung, because there is no agreement on guilt or innocence. Dismissal without prejudice is a different procedural option that ends the case for now but allows refiling later for reasons other than a hung jury.